WFD?: Spiced Pumpkin "Muffin Cakes" with Cream Cheese Butter Cream and Salted Caramel

Yes, it's a "muffin cake".

"Muffin cake": A term made up by me, just now, that describes a cupcake that is mixed like a muffin.  Which would technically make it more of a muffin, but it's very cake like in texture....and there's frosting so ya know...

Makes sense to me.

Lot's of parts to this "muffin cake", which should prove to be a rather long recipe packed post.  :)
So let's get right to it shall we??
Yes...yes we shall....
Ok then...

"Peppermint Smoothie" Cupcakes

For Valentine's Day yesterday, Sophie wanted to make a birthday cake for Daddy.  I tried to explain to her that Daddy's birthday was over, but she is the kid that still says "Merry Christmas" every night before she goes to sleep.  So, you can guess how that conversation went.

So I made a compromise, and told her we would make Daddy Valentine's birthday cupcakes.